Right now, there are toys in my rear passenger cup holder.
A few weeks earlier, it was candy.
The culprits? No, not little cousins or the little ones I mentor (sporadically... shame on me).
No, this auto desecration is done at the hands of my new "friend's" two little girls.
How did this happen? How did I get here?
I'm sure I've stated this several times on this blog, but once again: I do not want kids. Children just don't fit into my life equation as far as I can see. And on top of that, I didn't want to get involved with a man that had kids. I did that before (Psycho Ex) and realized that I'm a bit too self-centered to share the spotlight. Horrible, I know, but at least I'm honest. But here I am, still childless myself (woop woop, big ups to God and good ol' birth control for that!) but playing party-time mom with two of his kids. Of course I don't do the heavy stuff like discipline and whatnot, but listening to their questions about boys and makeup and what kinda cell phone they want and "grown up life," taking them to the movies and stuff... that's me all day, son. Okay, technically not all day, but weekends and whatever days they happen to be over when I'm over... yeah.
And surprisingly, I don't have a problem with this. Usually. We can all chill together, go out to eat, play video games together... And I actually enjoy it. Yes, Ms. I Don't Want Kids can deal with spending time with the kiddies and not want to gouge her eyes out or pout for attention. Most of the time.
But then there are those rare times that I really need just some grown up alone time and I can't get it. No, I'm not just talking about time for sex... I know that's where your mind went first! I'll give you an example: earlier this week I had a horrible day. Wanted to cuss folks out at work, found out the client I thought was going to buy a house has decided to put it off another year, issues with my dad. I really needed to vent and drink and be told that it would be okay. When I dropped by to see him, I was surprised to see that the girls were there too. They were all laughing and playing a game and I'm sitting on the couch sullen as hell. After a few minutes I left. He asked what was wrong and why was I leaving, but what was I gonna tell him? "Ignore your kids 'cause I need some attention" is just not something I can bring myself to say. I felt horrible for even wanting to say that. So the best thing was to just leave. I told him that I felt like I was intruding on their daddy/daughter time, which was partially true. He told them what happened; hopefully they won't think too much about it. I'd hate for them to get it in their little minds that I was trying to do anything to come between them and their daddy.
Oh well... This weekend he's supposed to be taking his "three ladies" out. Let's see what goodies get left behind this time. :)
Friday, July 30, 2010
A weight has been lifted...
LITERALLY!
Okay, I know I just posted that I'd gotten a sew-in. Shoot, I just got it a week ago! But already, like so many meals & men (wait, what?), the weave is gone...
I was going to try to stick it out for at least three weeks, but I couldn't deal! My scalp had been itching non-stop since last Friday. I also noticed that just behind my left ear, I had a little swollen knot from where the braid was really tight. But I thought I could stick it out. Fast forward to yesterday. Itching like crazy again. I go to scratch and notice a bump. Do a little more feeling around and find bumps all along my hairline! Bad business! That's neither cute nor healthy. Out of fear that keeping the sew-in would do more damage than good, I had to take it out. After getting all the tracks out and taking the braids down, I discovered more bumps, especially in those places where the itching was the worst. I tried to do damage control by DCing overnight. This morning I tried some of the We Rock Roots RockTherapy Oil from my last product review. So far, the itching has been kept to a minimum. (For those wondering why I didn't use that before: the way that my hair was braided under the tracks, it was hard/impossible to get to some parts of my scalp.)
Unfortunately I noticed that the hair that was left out up top to cover up the tracks did not revert back to their usual springy curls. Instead, the curls are just kinda limp & lifeless. I hope I haven't messed them up for good!
Anyway, I've learned my lesson. If I just gotta have something different or want to wear straight hair, a wig is probably my best bet. Of course, it's a no-go during the summer... Maybe I'll try it once it cools off. But now I'm scared to even straighten my hair for a length check. :( Fingers crossed that my hair bounces back!
Okay, I know I just posted that I'd gotten a sew-in. Shoot, I just got it a week ago! But already, like so many meals & men (wait, what?), the weave is gone...
I was going to try to stick it out for at least three weeks, but I couldn't deal! My scalp had been itching non-stop since last Friday. I also noticed that just behind my left ear, I had a little swollen knot from where the braid was really tight. But I thought I could stick it out. Fast forward to yesterday. Itching like crazy again. I go to scratch and notice a bump. Do a little more feeling around and find bumps all along my hairline! Bad business! That's neither cute nor healthy. Out of fear that keeping the sew-in would do more damage than good, I had to take it out. After getting all the tracks out and taking the braids down, I discovered more bumps, especially in those places where the itching was the worst. I tried to do damage control by DCing overnight. This morning I tried some of the We Rock Roots RockTherapy Oil from my last product review. So far, the itching has been kept to a minimum. (For those wondering why I didn't use that before: the way that my hair was braided under the tracks, it was hard/impossible to get to some parts of my scalp.)
Unfortunately I noticed that the hair that was left out up top to cover up the tracks did not revert back to their usual springy curls. Instead, the curls are just kinda limp & lifeless. I hope I haven't messed them up for good!
Anyway, I've learned my lesson. If I just gotta have something different or want to wear straight hair, a wig is probably my best bet. Of course, it's a no-go during the summer... Maybe I'll try it once it cools off. But now I'm scared to even straighten my hair for a length check. :( Fingers crossed that my hair bounces back!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Psychology of Real Estate
I found this interesting article on SmartMoney.com and wanted to share with my readers. What are your thoughts on the results from the study?
EARLIER THIS YEAR 27 STUDENTS at Old Dominion University pressed their foreheads into a padded frame and peered ahead, much like patients at an eye doctor. They scrolled through pictures of 10 on-the-market homes on a computer screen as an ocular tracking program recorded their eye movements. In some of the homes, for some of the students, the living rooms were painted pink.
The question: Would a pink room—a problem you could fix for the price of a few cans of paint—make the students less likely to purchase the homes? The answer, based on preliminary results, is yes.
The study is part of a growing body of research that is putting real estate under the microscope. Scientists are finding that psychology—everything from how a buyer perceives his agent to how a seller prices her home—plays an unexpectedly large role. “When the market was going up, these questions were mildly interesting,” says Michael Seiler, a professor of real estate at Old Dominion University and the coauthor of numerous studies in the field (including the one about the pink room). Today, with the market wobbly, “they’re much more relevant,” and the results of such research, he and other academics say, can offer useful insights to buyers and sellers alike.
Here’s a roundup of some pertinent findings.
Choose Your Words Carefully
For a seller, advertising that you’ve recently painted your house seems like a no-brainer. But in a study that looked at nearly 60,000 residential real estate transactions in Texas, listings that mentioned new paint, new carpet and/or roof work sold, on average, for slightly less than those that did not.
Thomas A. Thomson, the study’s coauthor and the director of the Real Estate Finance and Development Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio, says that buyers aren’t going to be fooled by a problem house simply because it has a fresh coat of paint. “It’s kind of like putting lipstick on a pig,” he says. But even if there’s nothing wrong with the house, an advertisement that touts new features could set off alarm bells. If a seller says everything is new, a buyer might wonder why everything needed to be replaced—and whether there are other defects lurking.
Thomson recommends sellers take the simpler route: Let potential buyers be surprised by the quality of the home instead of disappointed by how average it is compared with its description.
Looks Do Count
Do buyers pay more when sellers’ real estate agents are attractive? Apparently so: Preliminary results of a study from Old Dominion University suggest that, put bluntly, the more attractive a male finds his female agent, the higher the price he’ll probably be willing to pay. Women also seem to be susceptible to attractive female agents, although not to the degree that men are. (Neither women nor men seem to respond much to attractive males.) “I’d like to think I wouldn’t fall prey to it,” says Seiler. “But I think that the people who were in our study would have said the exact same thing.”
Welcome, Out-of-Towners!
Out-of-state buyers tend to pay more than locals for properties of equal value, particularly when they come from states with higher real estate prices, according to a study from Brigham Young University. Researchers looked at apartment sales in the Phoenix metropolitan area—2,854 transactions from 1990 to 2002—and found that, on average, out-of-state buyers paid more than 5 percent more than their in-state counterparts.
BYU’s Grant McQueen says it often makes economic sense for out-of-state buyers to find homes fast, even if it means shelling out more money than if they shopped more or negotiated longer. Otherwise, they can end up paying more in travel costs than they save on the price of the home. The other reason, though, is less rational: In what’s known as “anchoring,” buyers tend to pay more for a home when they’re used to paying a higher price elsewhere.
The Downside of Upbeat
A big part of any decision to sell a house is where a homeowner thinks prices are heading. So how do owners feel after the brutal market of the past few years? Surprisingly—perhaps naively—optimistic. A recent survey of 479 homeowners in 20 U.S. metropolitan areas found that people were about five times more likely to say their own homes would see their prices increase in the next 12 months than they were to say their neighbors’ homes would do better.
Robert Shiller, a professor at Yale University, and Karl Case, a professor at Wellesley College, survey homeowners every year to gauge how confident they are that their homes will increase in value. Only once, when the housing market was at its worst in the recent crash, did the poll results slide into the negative. In general, the average respondent figured his home was bound to jump in value in the near future. “People don’t change their opinions that quickly,” says Shiller.
Whether they’ll regret those opinions later, only time will tell. If his expectations are out of whack with reality, an overoptimistic seller could wind up waiting for a higher price that will never arrive. But pessimists should tread just as carefully: An overly downbeat seller could wind up dumping a house at a price far below what it could fetch a year or two later.
Published July 15, 2010
Read more: The Psychology of Real Estate - Personal Finance - Real Estate - SmartMoney.com http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-finance/real-estate/the-psychology-of-real-estate/?page=2#ixzz0v5Kqy9k2
EARLIER THIS YEAR 27 STUDENTS at Old Dominion University pressed their foreheads into a padded frame and peered ahead, much like patients at an eye doctor. They scrolled through pictures of 10 on-the-market homes on a computer screen as an ocular tracking program recorded their eye movements. In some of the homes, for some of the students, the living rooms were painted pink.
The question: Would a pink room—a problem you could fix for the price of a few cans of paint—make the students less likely to purchase the homes? The answer, based on preliminary results, is yes.
The study is part of a growing body of research that is putting real estate under the microscope. Scientists are finding that psychology—everything from how a buyer perceives his agent to how a seller prices her home—plays an unexpectedly large role. “When the market was going up, these questions were mildly interesting,” says Michael Seiler, a professor of real estate at Old Dominion University and the coauthor of numerous studies in the field (including the one about the pink room). Today, with the market wobbly, “they’re much more relevant,” and the results of such research, he and other academics say, can offer useful insights to buyers and sellers alike.
Here’s a roundup of some pertinent findings.
Choose Your Words Carefully
For a seller, advertising that you’ve recently painted your house seems like a no-brainer. But in a study that looked at nearly 60,000 residential real estate transactions in Texas, listings that mentioned new paint, new carpet and/or roof work sold, on average, for slightly less than those that did not.
Thomas A. Thomson, the study’s coauthor and the director of the Real Estate Finance and Development Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio, says that buyers aren’t going to be fooled by a problem house simply because it has a fresh coat of paint. “It’s kind of like putting lipstick on a pig,” he says. But even if there’s nothing wrong with the house, an advertisement that touts new features could set off alarm bells. If a seller says everything is new, a buyer might wonder why everything needed to be replaced—and whether there are other defects lurking.
Thomson recommends sellers take the simpler route: Let potential buyers be surprised by the quality of the home instead of disappointed by how average it is compared with its description.
Looks Do Count
Do buyers pay more when sellers’ real estate agents are attractive? Apparently so: Preliminary results of a study from Old Dominion University suggest that, put bluntly, the more attractive a male finds his female agent, the higher the price he’ll probably be willing to pay. Women also seem to be susceptible to attractive female agents, although not to the degree that men are. (Neither women nor men seem to respond much to attractive males.) “I’d like to think I wouldn’t fall prey to it,” says Seiler. “But I think that the people who were in our study would have said the exact same thing.”
Welcome, Out-of-Towners!
Out-of-state buyers tend to pay more than locals for properties of equal value, particularly when they come from states with higher real estate prices, according to a study from Brigham Young University. Researchers looked at apartment sales in the Phoenix metropolitan area—2,854 transactions from 1990 to 2002—and found that, on average, out-of-state buyers paid more than 5 percent more than their in-state counterparts.
BYU’s Grant McQueen says it often makes economic sense for out-of-state buyers to find homes fast, even if it means shelling out more money than if they shopped more or negotiated longer. Otherwise, they can end up paying more in travel costs than they save on the price of the home. The other reason, though, is less rational: In what’s known as “anchoring,” buyers tend to pay more for a home when they’re used to paying a higher price elsewhere.
The Downside of Upbeat
A big part of any decision to sell a house is where a homeowner thinks prices are heading. So how do owners feel after the brutal market of the past few years? Surprisingly—perhaps naively—optimistic. A recent survey of 479 homeowners in 20 U.S. metropolitan areas found that people were about five times more likely to say their own homes would see their prices increase in the next 12 months than they were to say their neighbors’ homes would do better.
Robert Shiller, a professor at Yale University, and Karl Case, a professor at Wellesley College, survey homeowners every year to gauge how confident they are that their homes will increase in value. Only once, when the housing market was at its worst in the recent crash, did the poll results slide into the negative. In general, the average respondent figured his home was bound to jump in value in the near future. “People don’t change their opinions that quickly,” says Shiller.
Whether they’ll regret those opinions later, only time will tell. If his expectations are out of whack with reality, an overoptimistic seller could wind up waiting for a higher price that will never arrive. But pessimists should tread just as carefully: An overly downbeat seller could wind up dumping a house at a price far below what it could fetch a year or two later.
Published July 15, 2010
Read more: The Psychology of Real Estate - Personal Finance - Real Estate - SmartMoney.com http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-finance/real-estate/the-psychology-of-real-estate/?page=2#ixzz0v5Kqy9k2
Morning Randomness
Kat Williams is a fool... but this ish right here nigga... this ish right here?! (I couldn't resist) This is TROOF
And yeah I know it's old but dammit I'm feeling like that tiger so here it is:
And yeah I know it's old but dammit I'm feeling like that tiger so here it is:
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
My 1st weave...
July 24, 2009 was the last time I got a touch up!
July 23, 2010, I got my first weave. It wasn't really my idea; it stemmed from a long heated argument with my father over my hair not being "professional" (*cough*bullish*cough*) and getting this sew-in was my move to shut him up.
It does look pretty good (except when the humidity gets to my hair) so that's not my issue. I've just gotten used to having short, almost care-free hair. The fuss of long straight hair... this is what I was trying to get away from a year ago! Ugh...
Anyway, I'm a little more comfortable with it, but I don't think it's gonna last too long. For one, it itches like crazy and even though I've oiled my scalp the best I could, I'm getting no relief! Secondly, there's one braid in the back that is just way too tight; the scalp is actually swollen there. (Praying traction alopecia can't happen from a one-time occurrence.) Finally, it's hot and heavy. I like things hot and heavy, but my hair ain't one of them! LOL
So I know this won't be up the two or three months I was told it could last. Shoot, I'd do good to leave it up for one. I know sew-ins are supposed to be a great protective style, but I don't think they're for me!
July 23, 2010, I got my first weave. It wasn't really my idea; it stemmed from a long heated argument with my father over my hair not being "professional" (*cough*bullish*cough*) and getting this sew-in was my move to shut him up.
 | |||||||||
| No, I was NOT a happy camper. |
It does look pretty good (except when the humidity gets to my hair) so that's not my issue. I've just gotten used to having short, almost care-free hair. The fuss of long straight hair... this is what I was trying to get away from a year ago! Ugh...
Anyway, I'm a little more comfortable with it, but I don't think it's gonna last too long. For one, it itches like crazy and even though I've oiled my scalp the best I could, I'm getting no relief! Secondly, there's one braid in the back that is just way too tight; the scalp is actually swollen there. (Praying traction alopecia can't happen from a one-time occurrence.) Finally, it's hot and heavy. I like things hot and heavy, but my hair ain't one of them! LOL
So I know this won't be up the two or three months I was told it could last. Shoot, I'd do good to leave it up for one. I know sew-ins are supposed to be a great protective style, but I don't think they're for me!
Product Review: Miss Jessie's Stretch Silkening Creme & the We Rock Roots Line
About two weeks ago I made my way to Target and picked up my first ever Miss Jessie's product. The selection at the store I went to was pretty slim, so I ended up with the Stretch Silkening Creme. I was not happy about shelling out $22 for the 8 oz. jar, but I'd heard so many good things about Miss Jessie's that surely it would be worth it, right?
Well, not quite.
Here are the directions from the Miss Jessie's site:
So I applied it with my hair soaking wet. While it definitely held true to it's claims that it would not make hair feel dry or crunchy, I wasn't expecting it to keep it feeling and looking wet. For most of the day I looked like I had a jheri curl. No bueno. On top of that, it didn't actually stretch my curls. (I didn't have time to use the blowdryer, so maybe that extra action would've given me the results I was looking for.) After that, I decided to try it with my hair lightly misted (my simple mix of distilled water and pure unrefined coconut oil). I was a bit more pleased with those results. The Miss Jessie's still didn't stretch my curls, but they did define them and gave my hair a nice shine.
My final verdict? While the Stretch Silkening Creme is a decent product, it's not something I'll be buying/using regularly. And I'm not so sure if I'll be buying any other MJ's products; I feel like I fell victim to the hype. I dunno, maybe I'll try the little $2.00 packets of shampoo and conditioner, just to see if it gives me different results than my current products. I'm not expecting miracles this time around, though. (In retrospect, it may have worked better if my hair was longer. I've seen pictures of some of the people who rave over MJ's, and when the hair is about shoulder length, it seems to get pretty good results. Maybe I'll save this and try it again in a few months. *shrugs*)
A few days after buying the Miss Jessie's, I received my We Rock Roots prize from the contest over at Kinky, Curly, Coily Me! Included in the prize pack were samples of the following:
RockOUT Butter – Uses: To set twists, coils, braids, or curls when setting on rollers and lock maintenance.
Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Horsetail Herb, Amla Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Golden Jojoba Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, Tea Tree Essential Oil
(Uses and ingredients per JenellyBean on KCCM!)
I wasn't sure what to expect because I'd never heard of WRR, but I figure I'd give it a shot. It would be rude not to! And I have to say that I am soooo glad that I did! Here's a quick breakdown of how each product worked for me.
RockStar oil: It gave my hair a really good shine without being heavy like some oils I've tried before. It was slightly oily and wasn't absorbed into my hair, but that it wasn't a major detractor from my overall love of this product. Plus, it smells like cookies! (#fatgirltendencies lol)
RockOn butter: I loved the whipped light texture! It almost felt like it sorta fizzed when I touched it. RockOn gave me the most awesome curl definition and good healthy shine to boot.
RockTherapy oil: This was right on time for me. I have one particularly dry/itchy area near the crown of my head. One day after co-washing, I applied some of this oil to my scalp. It feels soothing (I'm assuming that was the peppermint at work) and calmed the itch. I'm not a fan of the scent but it's not overwhelming, and not an issue since it gets the job done!
RockOut butter: This was extremely light. In fact, I wasn't sure that it would work on my twists/twist-out because it was so light. My assumption was correct. When I took my twists down, it was as if they had no product on them at all. Depending on what you're looking for, this may not be a bad thing, but for my twists I like something a little heavier with a better hold, like my Cantu Shea Butter.
Three outta four ain't bad, huh? I've gotta say, WRR has found a loyal customer in me.
If you're interested in purchasing these products, you can find them at www.missjessies.com and www.wix.com/werockroots/werockroots.
Well, not quite.
Here are the directions from the Miss Jessie's site:
Apply product while hair is soaking wet for full coverage based on your length and density. Do not rinse out. Air dry or dry under an overhead dryer. For maximum stretch silkening: After curls are fully dried grab a section and stretch downward for tension. Using a blowdryer with a nozzle attachment blast heat from root to midshaft. This will further stretch those kinks to curls. Enjoy!
 |
| I did like the definition Miss Jessie's gave my curls |
So I applied it with my hair soaking wet. While it definitely held true to it's claims that it would not make hair feel dry or crunchy, I wasn't expecting it to keep it feeling and looking wet. For most of the day I looked like I had a jheri curl. No bueno. On top of that, it didn't actually stretch my curls. (I didn't have time to use the blowdryer, so maybe that extra action would've given me the results I was looking for.) After that, I decided to try it with my hair lightly misted (my simple mix of distilled water and pure unrefined coconut oil). I was a bit more pleased with those results. The Miss Jessie's still didn't stretch my curls, but they did define them and gave my hair a nice shine.
My final verdict? While the Stretch Silkening Creme is a decent product, it's not something I'll be buying/using regularly. And I'm not so sure if I'll be buying any other MJ's products; I feel like I fell victim to the hype. I dunno, maybe I'll try the little $2.00 packets of shampoo and conditioner, just to see if it gives me different results than my current products. I'm not expecting miracles this time around, though. (In retrospect, it may have worked better if my hair was longer. I've seen pictures of some of the people who rave over MJ's, and when the hair is about shoulder length, it seems to get pretty good results. Maybe I'll save this and try it again in a few months. *shrugs*)
A few days after buying the Miss Jessie's, I received my We Rock Roots prize from the contest over at Kinky, Curly, Coily Me! Included in the prize pack were samples of the following:
RockOUT Butter – Uses: To set twists, coils, braids, or curls when setting on rollers and lock maintenance.
Ingredients: Aloe Butter (Aloe Vera with Coconut fraction) Unrefined Shea Butter, Pure Aloe Vera Gel, Vegetable Glycerin, Tea Tree Essential Oil, Fragrance
RockON Butter – Uses: Apply for daily moisture.
Ingredients: Unrefined Shea Butter, Soy Butter, Golden Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Orange Essential Oil, Tea Tree Essential Oil
RockSTAR Oil –Uses: Apply as needed for added shine and moisture
Ingredients: Sweet Almond Oil, Unrefined Shea butter, Golden Jojoba Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Fragrance
RockTHERAPY Oil – Uses: Apply daily for itchy or dry scalp.
Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Horsetail Herb, Amla Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Golden Jojoba Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, Tea Tree Essential Oil
(Uses and ingredients per JenellyBean on KCCM!)
I wasn't sure what to expect because I'd never heard of WRR, but I figure I'd give it a shot. It would be rude not to! And I have to say that I am soooo glad that I did! Here's a quick breakdown of how each product worked for me.
RockStar oil: It gave my hair a really good shine without being heavy like some oils I've tried before. It was slightly oily and wasn't absorbed into my hair, but that it wasn't a major detractor from my overall love of this product. Plus, it smells like cookies! (#fatgirltendencies lol)
RockOn butter: I loved the whipped light texture! It almost felt like it sorta fizzed when I touched it. RockOn gave me the most awesome curl definition and good healthy shine to boot.
 | ||
| Result of RockOn Butter & RockStar Oil. Sorry it's not clear, I should've used the digital camera! |
RockTherapy oil: This was right on time for me. I have one particularly dry/itchy area near the crown of my head. One day after co-washing, I applied some of this oil to my scalp. It feels soothing (I'm assuming that was the peppermint at work) and calmed the itch. I'm not a fan of the scent but it's not overwhelming, and not an issue since it gets the job done!
RockOut butter: This was extremely light. In fact, I wasn't sure that it would work on my twists/twist-out because it was so light. My assumption was correct. When I took my twists down, it was as if they had no product on them at all. Depending on what you're looking for, this may not be a bad thing, but for my twists I like something a little heavier with a better hold, like my Cantu Shea Butter.
Three outta four ain't bad, huh? I've gotta say, WRR has found a loyal customer in me.
If you're interested in purchasing these products, you can find them at www.missjessies.com and www.wix.com/werockroots/werockroots.
Keller Williams New Beginnings & Denton Realty Join Forces
I am pleased to let everyone know that Dee Denton will be joining the Keller Williams team and will be the new Designated Broker for this office. Phil Landers serves as Team Leader. This merger will prove beneficial to not only the agencies involved, but the Greater Jackson Area as a whole. The following is a press release concerning the merger.
denton[1].pdf
denton[1].pdf
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Late Night Randomness: "Fifteen"
So this song was on last night when me & my newest friend went out for dinner.
'Cause when you're fifteen and somebody tells you they love you
You're gonna believe them
And when you're fifteen, don't forget to look before you fall
I've found time can heal almost anything
And you just might find who you're supposed to be
I didn't know who I was supposed to be at fifteen.
So what the hell is the excuse when you're 25?
(Ironically, I was super jaded at 15 and had a superb emotional wall built up.)
'Cause when you're fifteen and somebody tells you they love you
You're gonna believe them
And when you're fifteen, don't forget to look before you fall
I've found time can heal almost anything
And you just might find who you're supposed to be
I didn't know who I was supposed to be at fifteen.
So what the hell is the excuse when you're 25?
(Ironically, I was super jaded at 15 and had a superb emotional wall built up.)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Random Hair Gripe: Don't Touch My Hair!!
At least, not without asking! And even if you ask, you may get a no.
I've always had issues with this and it bugs me to no end. When I was relaxed, people had to "get a good feel" to see if it was really mine. This included running fingers down to the scalp feeling for tracks, pulling, you name it. Now that I'm completely natural, it's like some kinda oddity and people want to mess with the curls. Makes me think of the episode of Family Guy where Stewie touches Cleveland's hair and exclaims, "Ooh, it feels like a sheep!"
I still haven't figured out how to politely say "Please don't touch it" before someone automatically reaches out to cop a feel. I feel so dirty, having my other special place groped like that in public! LOL Maybe I need this shirt...
I've always had issues with this and it bugs me to no end. When I was relaxed, people had to "get a good feel" to see if it was really mine. This included running fingers down to the scalp feeling for tracks, pulling, you name it. Now that I'm completely natural, it's like some kinda oddity and people want to mess with the curls. Makes me think of the episode of Family Guy where Stewie touches Cleveland's hair and exclaims, "Ooh, it feels like a sheep!"
I still haven't figured out how to politely say "Please don't touch it" before someone automatically reaches out to cop a feel. I feel so dirty, having my other special place groped like that in public! LOL Maybe I need this shirt...
 |
| I'm not quite this bad, I promise |
Afternoon Quickie: "Secrets of Extreme Savers"
Yahoo! Finance has an article today featuring five individuals/families who are great at saving money.
This article caught my eye today because I am trying to get on the right path as far as saving and spending my money wisely. I am prone to impromptu shopping trips and splurging on food and drinks when I go out with friends, but I realize that I have to make some serious changes if I want to meet my goals. What are those? Retirement by age 45 (but 40 would be ideal) so that I can dedicate the majority of my time to my future non-profit organizations. The issue is how to go about achieving this. I have a path laid out in my head, but the first step starts now with my spending and saving habits. So I am going to try to apply some of these common-sense but easier-said-than-done principles for saving now.
The five "secrets" were as follows:
1. Avoid Debt
I'm starting out way behind the couple in the article... hello, student loans, car note, credit cards! But the good news is that I'm not creating any new (non-work related) debt, and I'm chipping away at the existing debt. It's a slow go for now, but once business picks up I plan on being debt free (excluding mortgage) within five years.
2. Delay Gratification
Ugh... I have zero will power and have to have what I want when I want it! But this is something that I am improving on, so yay :)
3. Create Multiple Streams of Income
Now THIS... this I can do. It's what I'm trying to do doing now (speaking prosperity into existence).
4. Live Below Your Means
Kinda doing this now... After all, I am living rent-free... That counts, right?
5. Cut Down on Everyday Expenses
Cups, it looks like I can't visit you every day for my blondie fix. Guess regular old home-brewed coffee will have to do...
For the actual article, click here.
This article caught my eye today because I am trying to get on the right path as far as saving and spending my money wisely. I am prone to impromptu shopping trips and splurging on food and drinks when I go out with friends, but I realize that I have to make some serious changes if I want to meet my goals. What are those? Retirement by age 45 (but 40 would be ideal) so that I can dedicate the majority of my time to my future non-profit organizations. The issue is how to go about achieving this. I have a path laid out in my head, but the first step starts now with my spending and saving habits. So I am going to try to apply some of these common-sense but easier-said-than-done principles for saving now.
The five "secrets" were as follows:
1. Avoid Debt
I'm starting out way behind the couple in the article... hello, student loans, car note, credit cards! But the good news is that I'm not creating any new (non-work related) debt, and I'm chipping away at the existing debt. It's a slow go for now, but once business picks up I plan on being debt free (excluding mortgage) within five years.
2. Delay Gratification
Ugh... I have zero will power and have to have what I want when I want it! But this is something that I am improving on, so yay :)
3. Create Multiple Streams of Income
Now THIS... this I can do. It's what I'm trying to do doing now (speaking prosperity into existence).
4. Live Below Your Means
Kinda doing this now... After all, I am living rent-free... That counts, right?
5. Cut Down on Everyday Expenses
Cups, it looks like I can't visit you every day for my blondie fix. Guess regular old home-brewed coffee will have to do...
For the actual article, click here.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
I heart dreads
I dunno when it happened, but I've recently realized that I've got a thing for fine men with dreads. And even if a guy is not so fine, I'll still be in awe over some nice, well-maintained locs. I do remember the first guy I found attractive with dreads. His name was Thomas (I think...) and he was a graphic designer at my first "real" job. He was sexy even when he cut his dreads, but he had the nicest, neatest locs ever. Just the right thickness, and somehow he kept a lil sheen on 'em. He was dreamy.
Anyway, my new friend has gorgeous locs as well, and although he's handsome anyway, I'd be lying if I didn't say his hair is what first got my attention (quickly followed by his smile & his singing). Since he was acting shy and wouldn't take a picture for the blog, I got a bunch of pix from different sites of hot guys with dreads. And yeah, most of them are hot & half naked, thanks to hotchocolatefinder.com. (What can I say? They had the majority of Google pix that came up!)
Good look, guys. Very good look. Two thumbs up! ^_^
Anyway, my new friend has gorgeous locs as well, and although he's handsome anyway, I'd be lying if I didn't say his hair is what first got my attention (quickly followed by his smile & his singing). Since he was acting shy and wouldn't take a picture for the blog, I got a bunch of pix from different sites of hot guys with dreads. And yeah, most of them are hot & half naked, thanks to hotchocolatefinder.com. (What can I say? They had the majority of Google pix that came up!)
Good look, guys. Very good look. Two thumbs up! ^_^
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Incongruency of the American Justice System
A White cop kills an unarmed Black man by shooting him in the back of the head as he lay on the ground. Numerous witnesses and video evidence. What does he get? Two to four years, involuntary manslaughter.
The say "justice is blind," but there are definitely three things "justice" takes note of: money, race, and the badge. Then it protects you or screws you, accordingly.
Meanwhile, two Black women sit in prison facing life sentences. The crime they are accused of? A robbery of $11. The Scott Sisters have spent 15 years in prison for a crime that others involved in the crime have affirmed they had nothing to do with.
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| http://freethescottsisters.blogspot.com/ |
The say "justice is blind," but there are definitely three things "justice" takes note of: money, race, and the badge. Then it protects you or screws you, accordingly.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Faith or Foolishness?
Over the past several months, I have been hearing a statement over and over: "Life is too short to work a job that you hate." It's resonated with me because for the past two years I've been doing just that. Although I've moved around a little bit in the agency and done several different jobs, I'm not happy here. I've gotten to that all-too-familiar point where I hate getting up in the morning to come in, and it's a chore to be pleasant to people because I genuinely don't like it here.
On top of that, there is the fact that working an 8-to-5 definitely limits how much real estate I can do. Sure I can go knock on doors, make calls and meet with clients after work... On one of the few evenings that I'm not in class. Evening networking events are out. I already miss out on some of the meetings/lead generation building because they occur during work hours. And then there's that whole life thing... I'd like to have one of those! Things would be so much smoother if I had time during the day to work on my career instead of being stuck at the job.
So I'm thinking maybe it's time to make that move. I say that by December, even if I haven't found a part-time job, I want to quit. After all, what's the point of staying somewhere where I'm not happy, don't have any clear opportunity for advancement (not even a freakin' raise--thanks Governor), and not in a field that I want to be in?
But then reality kinda sets in and I think about everything that rides on my steady income. Car note. Grad school since I'm paying (mostly) out of pocket. Bills. Having a little bit of money to put into savings towards a home and my non-profit. And then there's the health, dental, vision and life insurance that I probably won't get with a part-time job. not to mention the state-matched retirement fund... It would be crazy to walk away from that right?
I am so torn right now. Step out on faith? Wait for "the right time" whenever the heck that is? Suck it up and deal with the crappy job & do the best I can with the other? I know people always talk about having faith, trusting God/your instincts/the universe or whatever... but how do you know that, in doing so, you won't fail miserably?
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I know these don't really fit the "faith or foolishness" theme, but it's how I'm feeling at work right now
On top of that, there is the fact that working an 8-to-5 definitely limits how much real estate I can do. Sure I can go knock on doors, make calls and meet with clients after work... On one of the few evenings that I'm not in class. Evening networking events are out. I already miss out on some of the meetings/lead generation building because they occur during work hours. And then there's that whole life thing... I'd like to have one of those! Things would be so much smoother if I had time during the day to work on my career instead of being stuck at the job.
So I'm thinking maybe it's time to make that move. I say that by December, even if I haven't found a part-time job, I want to quit. After all, what's the point of staying somewhere where I'm not happy, don't have any clear opportunity for advancement (not even a freakin' raise--thanks Governor), and not in a field that I want to be in?
But then reality kinda sets in and I think about everything that rides on my steady income. Car note. Grad school since I'm paying (mostly) out of pocket. Bills. Having a little bit of money to put into savings towards a home and my non-profit. And then there's the health, dental, vision and life insurance that I probably won't get with a part-time job. not to mention the state-matched retirement fund... It would be crazy to walk away from that right?
I am so torn right now. Step out on faith? Wait for "the right time" whenever the heck that is? Suck it up and deal with the crappy job & do the best I can with the other? I know people always talk about having faith, trusting God/your instincts/the universe or whatever... but how do you know that, in doing so, you won't fail miserably?
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I know these don't really fit the "faith or foolishness" theme, but it's how I'm feeling at work right now
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
"Hey, that's my face!"
This has been a good week in the world of Tori D.
Four-day work week? Check!
Winning the We Rock Roots giveaway? Check!!
Being featured somewhere other than my imagination?! Check!!!
This was me when I logged on to Facebook and saw that JenellyBean featured my puff on Kinky Curly Coily Me! And yes, I did literally say "Hey, that's my face!" LOL
You like me, you really like me! ^_^
Be sure to check out her blog. She has some gorgeous styles that I'll work up the courage to try (or better yet, get someone to do for me!), gives product reviews and great advice (she schooled me on my puff, I didn't know what to call it LOL), and features other naturalistas.
PLUS, she'll be walking down the isle soon, so give her some love & well wishes!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Review: Thank God I'm Natural
I've been reading Chris-Tia Donaldson's book Thank God I'm Natural since, like... February. No, I'm not slow! It's just that the ADD kicks in overtime when it comes to reading. I'm currently reading four books--this one included--along with reading books/articles for work and class. Needless to say this is pretty inefficient, but I eventually finish them. I'm wrapping up this book now, so here are the things I did and didn't like about the book.
Since my "didn't like" is pretty short, I'll start with that first. This book seemed to rely heavily on the "Evil relaxers" theme. Not only did she make it seem like it was impossible to have healthy permed hair, but she even makes a REACHING assumption that because relaxers are "addictive" like cigarettes, they could cause cancer. Ummmm, what? There is no research supporting this (which she does admit) but I'm thinking why even bring that up when there is absolutely nothing to back up that statement? Plus, Skittles are addictive (to me, at least). Does that mean I'm gonna end up with cancer because I like to taste the rainbow regularly? According to Donaldson's logic, yeah. The scare tactics really turned me off of this book for a while, because I was not looking for a diatribe about how terrible relaxers are and that I didn't love myself when I had one. Been down that road, not interested in a walk down memory lane.
But I can kinda see where she was coming from, in a marketing sense. To make natural hair look better, you have to make perms seem awful. (OF course, this could have just been done by extolling the benefits of natural hair, but hey...) It would be like Jenny Craig saying "Hey, buy my food! My food makes you lose weight! Don't eat regular food if you wanna be healthy... Although you could lose weight and maintain good health by monitoring your portions of whatever you eat and getting regular exorcise." No, they can't say that! They have to say "Buy Jenny Craig!" Much in the same fashion, Donaldson presents natural hair as the only way to have beautiful, healthy hair.
However, there were some great things in this book. I don't want to give away anything, so I'll just briefly say something about the chapters I enjoyed most.
Chapter 3: A Brush With History
Chapter 4: Anatomy 101 & Chapter 5: Type & Texture (I learned a lot that I didn't know in regards to hair growth, the composition of hair, and types of hair. Very informative for a natural hair newbie like me.)
Chapter 15: In the Kitchen (This chapter has a lot of recipes for making your own shampoos, conditioners and rinses. I have not tried any of them yet but I'm anxious to do so!)
There is also great information about what ingredients to look for and what to avoid, various styles natural/transition styles, tips for transitioners, locs if you decide to go that route, and coloring natural hair (something that I am planning to try soon).
Overall, I enjoyed this book. While I would not tout it as a "natural hair bible" like the reviews I read before I bought it, it did prove to be a valuable tool to me, both while I was transitioning and now.
If you are interested in ordering the book, you can go to Thank God I'm Natural or online retailers such as Amazon.com.
Things My Future Husband Should Know: The Davis Clan
I started this back in April... SMH @ myself! So I just decided to post what I have. Lazy, I know!
Although I'm an only child, please don't think you got off easy, Future Hubby. There may not be any big brothers to grill you or sisters to give me their nitty-gritty opinion of you, but I have a wonderful substitute: a whole gang of cousins, aunts and uncles known as The Davis Clan. To help you out, here are a few tips to help you get your mind right.
1. We don't do drama...
Without a doubt I can say that I don't know another family like the David Clan. I hear about some of the drama that goes on with other families (stealing money, taking each other's men, fighting over BS, etc.)... WOW is all I can say! I'm so thankful that we don't have to deal with that. This is the most laid back, loving example of family I've seen, in real life and otherwise. I can't think of one person in this family who wouldn't do for me if it's within their power, and not one that I wouldn't do the same for. When they (whoever "they" are) came up with the term "close knit family," they were talking about us. We'd much rather eat, drink and laugh together than argue. If you're not used to that, it should be a welcomed change. But if you can't get with that, you're gonna have some problems, real talk.
2. but we will handle whatever pops off
Don't let the lovey-dovey "we are family" vibe fool you! If some drama pops off we can and will deal with it. All it takes is a word. Please don't be the situation that has to be taken care of!
3. You may occasionally get left behind for the fam
We're a pretty close knit family, and when we're together we're inseparable for the most part. If you can't (or don't want to *serious side-eye*) hang, then hey, I won't stop you from going home or whatever. But please don't think that's gonna stop me from enjoying my time with my folks.When I'm with you, it's me and you; when I'm with the fam, it's us. All of us.
4. Be honest...
...because we will be.The family doesn't pull punches. We can do it tactfully or brutally, but the truth will be told.
5. Be ready to pop the hood!
There must be something in that Davis blood, because we are all about cars! Even the young ones have it in them. So if you come around the fam, especially the uncles and certain cousins, you're gonna have to pop the hood. It's what they do and what you'll do, no ifs, ands, or buts! LOL And you've gotta have a need for speed. I'm a lil bit of a speed demon anyway, so a slow, cautious driver gets nowhere with me. But if you're trying to keep up with us, you gotta push it; speed limits be dayumed! (Oh yeah, if you're into sports cars, that's a big plus... with them and me.)
Reasons & Seasons
They say people come into your life for a reason and a season. It seems like the last couple of guys I've had some sort of relationship with was to help me get over the previous one. SupaBlack was put in place to help me get over PsychoEx. HWHadNT helped me get over SupaBlack. Now Bartender, to a much lesser degree, is helping me get over HWHadNT... But in my head I'm thinking "ENOUGH!"
I'm tired of opening up to someone who is only gonna be in my life for a season. I'm wondering when--or if--anyone will come along for the simple reason that he's The One that I've apparently mistaken the others for. On one hand I'm hopeful that he comes soon. After all, I'm a pretty darn good catch and these eggs ain't getting any younger!
But on the other hand, I kinda don't even want to be bothered. I'd rather just rebuild the wall I had up before PsychoEx tore it down. That way I don't waste time getting emotionally invested in someone who will only be gone in a matter of months or years. Is it really worth it? I'm thinking no, not really. And yeah, thinking and feeling like this long term will likely keep me from getting married, but I guess that wouldn't be so bad. Get to have my place arranged like I want, no crap that I don't like as part of a compromise. Come and go as I please without answering to anyone. Not having someone all in my space when I need time to myself. An occasional seasonal "friend" with one reason and purpose.
But then again, it would be nice to share accomplishments with someone special, and do little sweet things for him, and share romantic vacations...
I don't know. I guess it's just my season to be (emotionally) alone. And even though I've been in relationships for the better part of the past eight years, I also felt alone for much of that. (I think that's a result of poor decisions on my part that had lasting effects.) So maybe being alone isn't just for a season; maybe it's my lot in life. (Although I will say that it's an incredibly cruel joke to have such an... *ahem* active libido and be fated to be alone...)
/end rant
I'm tired of opening up to someone who is only gonna be in my life for a season. I'm wondering when--or if--anyone will come along for the simple reason that he's The One that I've apparently mistaken the others for. On one hand I'm hopeful that he comes soon. After all, I'm a pretty darn good catch and these eggs ain't getting any younger!
But on the other hand, I kinda don't even want to be bothered. I'd rather just rebuild the wall I had up before PsychoEx tore it down. That way I don't waste time getting emotionally invested in someone who will only be gone in a matter of months or years. Is it really worth it? I'm thinking no, not really. And yeah, thinking and feeling like this long term will likely keep me from getting married, but I guess that wouldn't be so bad. Get to have my place arranged like I want, no crap that I don't like as part of a compromise. Come and go as I please without answering to anyone. Not having someone all in my space when I need time to myself. An occasional seasonal "friend" with one reason and purpose.
But then again, it would be nice to share accomplishments with someone special, and do little sweet things for him, and share romantic vacations...
I don't know. I guess it's just my season to be (emotionally) alone. And even though I've been in relationships for the better part of the past eight years, I also felt alone for much of that. (I think that's a result of poor decisions on my part that had lasting effects.) So maybe being alone isn't just for a season; maybe it's my lot in life. (Although I will say that it's an incredibly cruel joke to have such an... *ahem* active libido and be fated to be alone...)
/end rant
Friday, July 2, 2010
Quote of the Day
Actually this is tweet of the day... yesterday.
from @Slaus
from @Slaus
If Elin got caught with 20 dicks in her mouth, dudes everywhere would endorse Tiger killing her azz. But because tiger gotta pay, yall mad?
You rockin' a fro for the 4th?
Will you be rocking a fro for the Fourth of July? I will! Hopefully I'll be able to make it act right =)
Anyway, the idea was first thought up over on The Long Hair Care Forum and many naturalistas will be taking part! Some are even printing out the logo (pictured above & created just for the occasion) to put on tshirts. I love it and I'm gonna try to do the same! I'm thinking either a tiffany blue or pink shirt to go with the brown... Dunno if it would really *POP* on black... White maybe?
ANYWAY, here are the two blogs I got my info from. One even has instructions which I definitely need!
My Hair.....Is Me: Afro Independence Day 2010
Her Best Hair: Preparing for Afro Independence Day
Thursday, July 1, 2010
"Christian with a side of..."
For quite a while now I've been pondering this post but wasn't sure whether I should share it or keep my thoughts to myself. I've been bolstered by the fact that I'm starting to read more and more people who are somewhat on the same wavelength. Maybe people are starting to open up some when it comes to religion. I am.
I was raised in a Christian home and from an early age I've known the Bible. I pretty much accepted what I was taught as being it. When I became a teenager, I began to question some things but was discouraged from voicing those questions because it was"wrong" to do so. Now I'm coming to accept the fact that my beliefs do not completely line up with traditional Christian thinking.
I believe that regardless of what religion one identifies with, we are all worshiping the same entity. Even those religions that have multiple deities, in my opinion, represent the same God with each deity being one of the many aspects of God. That being said, clearly I don't necessarily subscribe to the idea of salvation exclusively to Christianity. Spirituality should bring us closer to each other and closer to a higher power, regardless of the differences in how we worship. I believe that the aim of all religions is to improve the quality of life for its believers, and many religions have the same or similar teachings in regards to morality.
I feel like there are too many holes in the Christian dogma to blindly accept everything and interpret them literally. I mean, parts of the Bible were possibly removed (look up Council of Nicaea); other things have been lost in translation and so has been bastardized from the original meaning. So instead of depending just on what a preacher or teacher tells me a passage means, I trust my spirit; when I feel convicted about something, that is "the God in me" steering me back to the right path.
But, as you can tell from the title, I still identify with Christianity. I still attend my church and love it (most of the time). Why? Well the details are a bit complex, but the broad view is very simple: this is the way that I have experienced God. Although I believe in the validity of other faiths and incorporate some of their teaching and beliefs into my life, I know this works for me. Besides, how will there ever be open dialog and enlightenment if everyone who sees things differently runs away? Change has to start from within. Of course I don't think that I'm going to change the entire Christian way of thinking. However, I want to encourage the thought that we can all coexist and that one way of thinking isn't inherently bad just because it differs from our beliefs.
I was raised in a Christian home and from an early age I've known the Bible. I pretty much accepted what I was taught as being it. When I became a teenager, I began to question some things but was discouraged from voicing those questions because it was"wrong" to do so. Now I'm coming to accept the fact that my beliefs do not completely line up with traditional Christian thinking.
I believe that regardless of what religion one identifies with, we are all worshiping the same entity. Even those religions that have multiple deities, in my opinion, represent the same God with each deity being one of the many aspects of God. That being said, clearly I don't necessarily subscribe to the idea of salvation exclusively to Christianity. Spirituality should bring us closer to each other and closer to a higher power, regardless of the differences in how we worship. I believe that the aim of all religions is to improve the quality of life for its believers, and many religions have the same or similar teachings in regards to morality.
I feel like there are too many holes in the Christian dogma to blindly accept everything and interpret them literally. I mean, parts of the Bible were possibly removed (look up Council of Nicaea); other things have been lost in translation and so has been bastardized from the original meaning. So instead of depending just on what a preacher or teacher tells me a passage means, I trust my spirit; when I feel convicted about something, that is "the God in me" steering me back to the right path.
But, as you can tell from the title, I still identify with Christianity. I still attend my church and love it (most of the time). Why? Well the details are a bit complex, but the broad view is very simple: this is the way that I have experienced God. Although I believe in the validity of other faiths and incorporate some of their teaching and beliefs into my life, I know this works for me. Besides, how will there ever be open dialog and enlightenment if everyone who sees things differently runs away? Change has to start from within. Of course I don't think that I'm going to change the entire Christian way of thinking. However, I want to encourage the thought that we can all coexist and that one way of thinking isn't inherently bad just because it differs from our beliefs.
What are your go-to products? (Plus a Product Give-away!)
When I first started transitioning and reading about natural hair, the term product junkie jumped out at me. It seemed inevitable that I would go through product after product trying to find the perfect shampoo, perfect conditioner, perfect whobobbitz to do this, that and the other to my hair.
Fortunately, that has not been the case. From the time I decided to take charge of my own hair care (remember the horror story that prompted that?) my arsenal of products has been relatively small and consistent (though some changes need to be made). A good number of them are from the same line because they seem to work great for me. Of course I don't do a lot in the way of recommending different products because I'm still learning all of this stuff as well. So here is my disclaimer: While *most of* these products work well for me, I do not know how they will work for you. Look into product ingredients, speak with a professional if you feel the need, and make an informed decision! "Tori D. said..." will not hold up in a court of law! =D Also, please note that these products are not 100% natural. While I do try to look out for "cones," petroleum/petrolatum, and mineral oil, I'm not a stickler for everything being all natural.
The Good
1. Optimum Oil Therapy Recovery Shampoo: I love it! It gives a little bit of later but not too much (unless you go way overboard with it, as I have done on a couple occasions). It gives me a pretty good amount of slip, so I can easily run my fingers/comb through my hair after washing.
2. Optimum Oil Therapy Moisturizing Creme: This product is great for detangling! I often use it before washing my hair since I've learned that detangling is a must before the water hits it. I would love to use it every day, as it gives a ton of moisture, but I don't since I've noticed it takes a while for the white color to fade. Although it says it works as a heat protectant, I have not used it as such just yet. I will try it out and see how well it does.
3. Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pak (not shown) and Palmer's Coconut Milk Protein Pack: I use these together when deep conditioning. Usually I let it sit for about 30 minutes or more since I'm usually trying to watch TV while doing my hair and lose track of time. I've noticed that my hair is a bit softer when I use them as opposed to just shampooing. Never used either of these for a co-wash so not sure how that would work. Also, I don't know if there are any real benefits to using them both at the same time, but I like the way it feels when I do so... *shrug*
The Bad (or just bad rap?)
Motions Leave-In Conditioner: I admit it, I may have dropped the ball on this one. I got this before I was into the whole "read the label" thing, so I didn't realize until last night that this product is chock full o' "cones." Now, I have read conflicting information as to whether or not silicones are bad for your hair, but I'm trying to stay clear of them. Plus, I'd love to find a leave-in conditioner that also works as a detangler. But honestly, I don't have any complaints about this particular product. If you're not picky about the cones, this may work for you.
The verdict is still out
1. Cantu Shea Butter: I really only use the shea butter when I'm doing the two strand twists. It works great for holding them in place, plus it gives the hair a little extra shine. Admittedly, I'm not that familiar with the benefits of shea butter. I don't have anything bad to say about it, but I don't know if it's something I'd keep in rotation.
2. Optimum Oil Therapy Scalp Quencher: I just started using this about a week ago. My scalp was getting a little dry so this was just a shot in the dark at finding a solution. So far... meh.
Honorable Mention
Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil: I did a post on my first experience with coconut oil, and not much has changed since then. I still use it mostly for my skin! However, I do occasionally use it in my hair, mostly to give it shine. The drawback is that instead of my hair absorbing the oil, it just kind of sits there, leaving my hair feeling greasy. No bueno. I'm considering trying TT's coconut oil that is specially formulated for hair. We'll see.
There are some products that I want to try because I've heard good things about them. Namely, Miss Jessie's, Carol's Daughter Hair Milk, and (to a lesser extent) Mizani's True Textures line. Plus there's the little voice in the back of my head saying, "Yeah, your hair is doing okay now... but what if it could be better?" And considering my most recent hair issues (shedding and tangling are a beast right now!), I probably do need to make some additions and/or adjustments to my product arsenal.
************************************
Now for what you really want: the give-away!
This is not my giveaway. It is being done by fellow blogger/naturalista JenellyBean at Kinky Curly Coily Me! to celebrate reaching the 100 follower mark. She is giving away samples of We Rock Roots products (click here for details). To enter, all you have to do is send a picture of you rocking your natural hair to KinkyCurlyCoilyMe@gmail.com. But hurry, the deadline is July 4. Yeah I know I gave it to you on short notice, but c'mon, all you're doing is taking a pic and emailing it! You know you have 681 pictures of yourself on your phone.... No? That's just me? Oh, okay then....
Fortunately, that has not been the case. From the time I decided to take charge of my own hair care (remember the horror story that prompted that?) my arsenal of products has been relatively small and consistent (though some changes need to be made). A good number of them are from the same line because they seem to work great for me. Of course I don't do a lot in the way of recommending different products because I'm still learning all of this stuff as well. So here is my disclaimer: While *most of* these products work well for me, I do not know how they will work for you. Look into product ingredients, speak with a professional if you feel the need, and make an informed decision! "Tori D. said..." will not hold up in a court of law! =D Also, please note that these products are not 100% natural. While I do try to look out for "cones," petroleum/petrolatum, and mineral oil, I'm not a stickler for everything being all natural.
The Good
1. Optimum Oil Therapy Recovery Shampoo: I love it! It gives a little bit of later but not too much (unless you go way overboard with it, as I have done on a couple occasions). It gives me a pretty good amount of slip, so I can easily run my fingers/comb through my hair after washing.
2. Optimum Oil Therapy Moisturizing Creme: This product is great for detangling! I often use it before washing my hair since I've learned that detangling is a must before the water hits it. I would love to use it every day, as it gives a ton of moisture, but I don't since I've noticed it takes a while for the white color to fade. Although it says it works as a heat protectant, I have not used it as such just yet. I will try it out and see how well it does.
3. Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pak (not shown) and Palmer's Coconut Milk Protein Pack: I use these together when deep conditioning. Usually I let it sit for about 30 minutes or more since I'm usually trying to watch TV while doing my hair and lose track of time. I've noticed that my hair is a bit softer when I use them as opposed to just shampooing. Never used either of these for a co-wash so not sure how that would work. Also, I don't know if there are any real benefits to using them both at the same time, but I like the way it feels when I do so... *shrug*
The Bad (or just bad rap?)
Motions Leave-In Conditioner: I admit it, I may have dropped the ball on this one. I got this before I was into the whole "read the label" thing, so I didn't realize until last night that this product is chock full o' "cones." Now, I have read conflicting information as to whether or not silicones are bad for your hair, but I'm trying to stay clear of them. Plus, I'd love to find a leave-in conditioner that also works as a detangler. But honestly, I don't have any complaints about this particular product. If you're not picky about the cones, this may work for you.
The verdict is still out
1. Cantu Shea Butter: I really only use the shea butter when I'm doing the two strand twists. It works great for holding them in place, plus it gives the hair a little extra shine. Admittedly, I'm not that familiar with the benefits of shea butter. I don't have anything bad to say about it, but I don't know if it's something I'd keep in rotation.
2. Optimum Oil Therapy Scalp Quencher: I just started using this about a week ago. My scalp was getting a little dry so this was just a shot in the dark at finding a solution. So far... meh.
Honorable Mention
Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil: I did a post on my first experience with coconut oil, and not much has changed since then. I still use it mostly for my skin! However, I do occasionally use it in my hair, mostly to give it shine. The drawback is that instead of my hair absorbing the oil, it just kind of sits there, leaving my hair feeling greasy. No bueno. I'm considering trying TT's coconut oil that is specially formulated for hair. We'll see.
There are some products that I want to try because I've heard good things about them. Namely, Miss Jessie's, Carol's Daughter Hair Milk, and (to a lesser extent) Mizani's True Textures line. Plus there's the little voice in the back of my head saying, "Yeah, your hair is doing okay now... but what if it could be better?" And considering my most recent hair issues (shedding and tangling are a beast right now!), I probably do need to make some additions and/or adjustments to my product arsenal.
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Now for what you really want: the give-away!
This is not my giveaway. It is being done by fellow blogger/naturalista JenellyBean at Kinky Curly Coily Me! to celebrate reaching the 100 follower mark. She is giving away samples of We Rock Roots products (click here for details). To enter, all you have to do is send a picture of you rocking your natural hair to KinkyCurlyCoilyMe@gmail.com. But hurry, the deadline is July 4. Yeah I know I gave it to you on short notice, but c'mon, all you're doing is taking a pic and emailing it! You know you have 681 pictures of yourself on your phone.... No? That's just me? Oh, okay then....
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